29 young South Africans take on the world at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China
NSF Acting CEO joins Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube and Director-General Sishi in backing Team South Africa
Twenty-nine young South Africans are flying the national flag in Shanghai this week as they take on some of the world's best young skilled professionals at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition, taking place from 22 to 27 September 2026.
Team South Africa is competing in 27 skills categories, including Mechatronics, Aircraft Maintenance, Plumbing and Heating, Refrigeration, Construction and Water Technology, among other technical and vocational skills.
The South African delegation is led by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and includes Director-General Dr Nkosinathi Sishi and National Skills Fund (NSF) Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms Melissa Erra, among other delegates.
The scale of the competition reflects the growing importance of technical and vocational skills globally. The Shanghai competition brings together a record 1,385 competitors from 68 countries and regions, creating an international platform for young people to demonstrate their technical ability, precision, innovation and problem-solving skills.
For Team South Africa, the journey to Shanghai began with WorldSkills South African Regional Heats and the National Competition in March 2026, where young skilled professionals competed for the opportunity to represent the country on the global stage.
Speaking to SABC News in Shanghai, South African Renewable Energy competitor Simiso Biyela said the team was determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for myself, but also for all my counterparts. We will give it everything to ensure that we go home with a gold medal, particularly in our category.”
‘Show the world what South African skills can do’
Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube said the competitors should embrace the opportunity to represent South Africa and demonstrate the country's skills capabilities.
“You have earned your place on this global stage through hard work, discipline and excellence. You are representing yourselves, your families, your institutions and the many young South Africans who aspire to build meaningful careers through skills. Compete with confidence, determination and pride, and demonstrate to the world what South African skills are capable of achieving.”
Skills must lead to jobs and economic opportunity
Director-General of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, said WorldSkills is about more than competition and medals; it is also about changing perceptions of technical and vocational education and training and encouraging more young people to pursue careers as artisans.
“WorldSkills demonstrates what is possible when young people are given the opportunity to develop and showcase their technical abilities. We want more young South Africans to recognise TVET colleges as institutions of opportunity and to consider artisan careers as a pathway into employment and entrepreneurship.
“South Africa needs more qualified artisans to support our infrastructure, manufacturing and broader economy. We therefore encourage young people to enter our TVET colleges in greater numbers, acquire the skills our economy needs and become part of building the South Africa we want.”
NSF: Investment must translate into opportunity
The National Skills Fund is one of the main funders of WorldSkills South Africa. Its investment supports South Africa's participation in the international competition while contributing to the development of technical and vocational skills, exposure to international standards and the strengthening of the country's skills pipeline.
NSF Acting CEO Ms Melissa Erra, who is in Shanghai supporting Team South Africa, said the investment is ultimately about creating opportunities for young people beyond the competition.
“Our investment in WorldSkills South Africa is an investment in the potential of our young people and, ultimately, in the future of our economy. We want these young competitors to return with greater confidence, international exposure and opportunities to apply their skills.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that this investment translates into real opportunities for young people to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to their families, communities and the South African economy.”
Ms Erra also called on industry to help create pathways for the young talent emerging from the WorldSkills programme.
“Government cannot do this alone. Industry has an important role to play in providing opportunities for young people to apply and further develop their skills. We encourage industry to open its doors to the talent emerging from WorldSkills so that our investment in skills development translates into meaningful economic participation,” she said.
Beyond the competition
Team South Africa has also participated in the One School, One Member programme ahead of the opening ceremony which is currently taking place in Shanghai, , including a visit to Sanda University's Junhai Campus. The initiative provides WorldSkills member countries with an opportunity to exchange knowledge, learn from one another and benchmark approaches to technical and vocational education and training.
For South Africa, the WorldSkills platform provides an opportunity not only to showcase its young talent internationally, but also to highlight the value of technical and vocational skills at home.
As the 29 competitors take on the world, the NSF is calling on South Africans, industry, training institutions and the media to get behind Team South Africa and share the stories of the young people who are demonstrating what can be achieved through skills, determination and opportunity.
The NSF remains committed to supporting WorldSkills South Africa as part of its investment in a capable, skilled and economically productive workforce.
“The journey to Shanghai is about more than medals. It is about raising the standard of skills, opening doors to opportunity and showing young South Africans that technical and vocational skills can be a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and a better future,” said the NSF’s Acting CEO.
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